Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The "W" in Christmas

This is my Holiday Message to you, my digi friends!  This is a precious story about what some would seem like a mistake, but God had other ideas.  Isn't that true of each of us?  Some see us as just a mistake, or just a chance...no big deal.  But Gods word says that he knows us and has a plan for each of us!  We are so special to Him he sent his only son, to humble himself, lower himself, to come to earth as a baby, born in a manger, to die on a cross for you and me!  Please, Open this wonderful gift of Salvation if you have not already!  Its wrapped up in holiday, we call Christmas!  Peace and Blessings to you and yours!  His, Teri

 

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.  I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.  Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season
for a six-year-old.20For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production.
Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher.  She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens,
red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C.  Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love.

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her;
a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down --
totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W."

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake.
But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

" C H R I S T W A S L O V E "

And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence...
Humbled by His love.

May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christwaslove holiday season.

 

4 comments:

Lois B said...

Beautiful story! How I wish we could bring Christ back into the schools for Christmas.

Kerri said...

Wow, what a beautiful story! I've got goosebumps now! Just beautiful!
Just stopping by to say hi, and I hope you and yours had a great christmas
Hugs
Kerri

Anonymous said...

Wow! Just love this story and going to share it out to my email buddies and try to hook them into your blog. Hope your holidays were delightful and know that God is radiantly shining in your lovely face. We, your peeps, thank you for sharing your spirituality with us! Love and Happy New Year!!

Snowsmoon said...

What an amazing story and I have alway loved reading your blog, this by far has to be the best, touching and shining with the love of the lord in YOUR heart, girlfriend. In this world of selfish, all about me world we live in, YOU always shine with the love of the lord in each wonderful moment you share with us. God has surly gave you an amazing gift to spread his word and your KIND Heart!

Happy New Year to you and yours...Hugs

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